PORT LOUIS, Feb 17 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A court in Mauritius on Monday released on bail the island’s former prime minister Pravind Jugnauth in a money-laundering probe after seizing suitcases of cash in raids on his alleged accomplices’ homes.
Police detained the 63-year-old along with his wife Kobita Jugnauth on Saturday and questioned them for several hours, police sources said.
Kobita Jugnauth was later released and Pravind Jugnauth was placed under formal arrest in the early hours of Sunday.
In court in the capital Port Louis, the ex-premier denied the accusations.
The judge released him pending a bail payment of 1.5 million rupees ($32,000), in a written ruling.
Police and court documents detailed searches at the homes of two other suspects who run a local leisure company.
They said officers seized documents bearing the names of the Jugnauths, as well as luxury watches and suitcases of cash.
Prime minister from 2017 to 2024, Pravind Jugnauth is a member of one of the dynasties that have dominated the leadership of Mauritius, a stable and relatively prosperous Indian Ocean island nation, since it became independent from Britain in 1968.
He oversaw a historic deal with Britain for Mauritius to regain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands following a long-running dispute.
He and his Militant Socialist Movement suffered a crushing defeat in tense elections in November.
He ceded office to centre-left rival Navin Ramgoolam, who became prime minister for the third time.
Ramgoolam’s government reopened the Chagos negotiations, reportedly seeking greater financial compensation and to renegotiate the length of the proposed lease for a joint UK-US military base.
Under the Chagos deal, Britain will retain a lease for the base on the island of Diego Garcia.
Both Mauritius and Britain have said US President Donald Trump’s administration will have a say on the final terms of the agreement.
The base is currently leased by Britain to the United States and has become one of its key military facilities in the Asia-Pacific.
During the election campaign, both camps promised to improve the lives of ordinary Mauritians who face cost-of-living difficulties despite strong economic growth. — NNN-AGENCIES